“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
The apostle Paul’s words to Timothy remain a timeless call to leadership, rooted in example rather than just instruction. Paul didn’t tell Timothy to talk about righteousness merely—he told him to live it. Why? Because a child of God is a signpost of God, a walking testimony of what heaven looks like on earth.
Jesus Christ, our perfect example, didn’t just preach the Gospel—He embodied it. Every minute of His life was a message. Every step, a sermon. He didn’t put on a show or fabricate holiness. Instead, He lived by the Spirit, and through that Spirit, the life of God flowed naturally from Him.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
— Romans 8:14 (KJV)
We are not called to live a rehearsed life. We are called to live a Spirit-filled life. This life is not forced; it is birthed in the secret place and shown in the public space. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we live out God’s nature effortlessly.
In Antioch, believers were first called Christians because they resembled Christ (Acts 11:26). Their lives reflected His love, power, and purity. That is the same calling placed upon us—to be living epistles read by all (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).
Leadership in the Kingdom isn’t about status or title; it’s about influence through integrity. When others look at your life, do they see Christ?
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
A true leader doesn’t just give directions—they show the way. They don’t merely speak truth—they live truth. And that consistency builds credibility. When what we preach aligns with how we live, we lead with confidence, and people trust the God we represent.
When we understand that our lives are examples for others to follow, we become more discerning. We become careful with:
-
What we say (Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”)
-
Where we go (Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly…”)
-
Who we associate with (1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Evil communications corrupt good manners.”)
-
What we do (Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”)
These aren’t rules to weigh us down—they are the marks of a life led by the Spirit. They help preserve our witness and position us to lead others to Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to a life of purpose and example. Help me to walk in the Spirit daily and to live a life that reflects Your love, truth, and holiness. Let my words be pure, my actions honorable, and my heart aligned with Yours. Make me a trustworthy leader, one who lives what I speak. May my life point others to Jesus and draw them into the Kingdom of God.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures
-
Matthew 5:16
-
Titus 2:7-8
-
Philippians 3:17
-
Galatians 5:22-25
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
10 June, 2025
Lead by Example – Living the Life of God on Earth
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
The apostle Paul’s words to Timothy remain a timeless call to leadership, rooted in example rather than just instruction. Paul didn’t tell Timothy to talk about righteousness merely—he told him to live it. Why? Because a child of God is a signpost of God, a walking testimony of what heaven looks like on earth.
Jesus Christ, our perfect example, didn’t just preach the Gospel—He embodied it. Every minute of His life was a message. Every step, a sermon. He didn’t put on a show or fabricate holiness. Instead, He lived by the Spirit, and through that Spirit, the life of God flowed naturally from Him.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
— Romans 8:14 (KJV)
We are not called to live a rehearsed life. We are called to live a Spirit-filled life. This life is not forced; it is birthed in the secret place and shown in the public space. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we live out God’s nature effortlessly.
In Antioch, believers were first called Christians because they resembled Christ (Acts 11:26). Their lives reflected His love, power, and purity. That is the same calling placed upon us—to be living epistles read by all (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).
Leadership in the Kingdom isn’t about status or title; it’s about influence through integrity. When others look at your life, do they see Christ?
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
A true leader doesn’t just give directions—they show the way. They don’t merely speak truth—they live truth. And that consistency builds credibility. When what we preach aligns with how we live, we lead with confidence, and people trust the God we represent.
When we understand that our lives are examples for others to follow, we become more discerning. We become careful with:
-
What we say (Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”)
-
Where we go (Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly…”)
-
Who we associate with (1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Evil communications corrupt good manners.”)
-
What we do (Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”)
These aren’t rules to weigh us down—they are the marks of a life led by the Spirit. They help preserve our witness and position us to lead others to Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to a life of purpose and example. Help me to walk in the Spirit daily and to live a life that reflects Your love, truth, and holiness. Let my words be pure, my actions honorable, and my heart aligned with Yours. Make me a trustworthy leader, one who lives what I speak. May my life point others to Jesus and draw them into the Kingdom of God.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures
-
Matthew 5:16
-
Titus 2:7-8
-
Philippians 3:17
-
Galatians 5:22-25
